The Government of Ghana has initiated the next phase of evacuating its citizens from South Africa. This follows renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday, July 25, 2026, that this exercise will cover about 1,000 Ghanaians.
The evacuation will occur in groups over several days, with the first flights scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, 2026. This urgent action addresses the safety concerns of Ghanaians affected by the violence. It also demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
This current evacuation effort builds on previous actions taken by the Ghanaian government. Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have historically targeted migrants, often over perceived competition for jobs and resources. Ghana's proactive response reflects a broader trend among African nations to safeguard their citizens during such crises.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exercise will begin with Ghanaians already registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria. These individuals had previously expressed a desire to return home with government assistance. This structured approach aims to manage the logistics of a large-scale humanitarian operation effectively.
Priority for evacuation will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students. This policy aligns with standard humanitarian protocols for protecting vulnerable populations during emergencies. Distressed Ghanaians in South Africa can contact the High Commission on 0723681010 for assistance.
The government expressed gratitude to organizations that have supported affected Ghanaians. The Church of Pentecost in Pretoria and Johannesburg, along with Global Kingdom Investment Pty. Ltd., provided shelter for many weeks. Hundreds of Ghanaians sought refuge in these facilities after fleeing their homes and businesses.
The Ministry urged all Ghanaians in South Africa to remain calm and avoid areas of unrest. They also advised cooperation with officials of the Ghana High Commission. This cooperation is crucial for ensuring a successful and smooth evacuation process.
Officials indicated that lessons learned from the first phase of evacuations earlier this year will improve the current process. This continuous improvement aims for a smoother and faster return for all evacuees. The government has reassured citizens that no Ghanaian will be left behind in harm's way.
The High Commission in Pretoria is working with South African authorities to secure safe passage for evacuees. This collaboration also includes coordinating flight logistics. Such inter-governmental cooperation is vital for the success of complex international evacuations.
South Africa has experienced sporadic outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years. These incidents often target foreign nationals, particularly those from other African countries. The latest wave of attacks has affected foreign nationals in Gauteng and other provinces, prompting several African countries to consider evacuation options.
Ghana's decision to resume evacuations highlights the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens. It also demonstrates a swift response to humanitarian emergencies. The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on flight schedules.